Crispy Zucchini in Kefir Batter with Garlic (quick, effortless dinner)

Crispy Zucchini in Kefir Batter with Garlic (quick, effortless dinner) recept

Name: Crispy Zucchini in Kefir Batter with Garlic (quick, effortless dinner)
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis (approx. 600–700 g); 250 ml cold kefir; 1 egg; 130–150 g coarse flour; 2–3 cloves garlic (pressed/finely chopped); 1 teaspoon salt + a pinch for salting the zucchini; a pinch of ground pepper; oil for frying; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika or a pinch of chili, a handful of chopped parsley/coriander

Easy to prepare
4 serving
40 minutes

Jan, 17. 12. 2025

Print recipe

Light, fragrant and incredibly crispy — that’s what zucchini in kefir batter with garlic is like. The batter is airy thanks to the kefir, the zucchini slices stay juicy and they’re ready in no time. A great quick dinner, starter or side dish for meat or salad.

For 4 serving

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis (approx. 600–700 g)
250 ml cold kefir
1 egg
130–150 g coarse flour
2–3 cloves garlic (pressed/finely chopped)
1 teaspoon salt + a pinch for salting the zucchini
a pinch of ground pepper
oil for frying

optional:

1 teaspoon sweet paprika or a pinch of chili, a handful of chopped parsley/coriander

Preparation procedure

Preparing the zucchini Wash the zucchinis and slice into thin slices (3–4 mm). Lightly salt them and let them sweat for 15 minutes. Then dry them with a paper towel so the batter adheres well.
Kefir batter In a bowl whisk together the kefir and egg, add the garlic, salt, pepper (optionally paprika/chili) and whisk in the flour until a smooth, rather thick batter without lumps. If it's too thin, add a bit more flour; if too thick, thin with a dash of kefir.
Frying until crispy Heat a thin layer of oil in a pan. Dip the zucchini slices in the batter and place into the hot oil. Fry on both sides until golden (about 2–3 minutes each), remove to a paper towel and let drain.
Serving Sprinkle with fresh herbs. Great with a yogurt dip (plain yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper) or simply with lemon and coarse salt.

Total preparation time:

Preparation: 15–20 minutes
Frying: 15–20 minutes
Total: approx. 35–40 minutes

Servings:

4 servings as a side/appetizer (2–3 servings as a light main course)

Tips:

For extra crispiness you can replace part of the flour (30 g) with cornstarch.
The batter sticks better when the zucchinis are well dried and the kefir is cold.
In the oven/air fryer: arrange the coated slices on a baking sheet, lightly brush with oil and bake at 200 °C for 12–15 minutes (flip halfway through).

Conclusion

The kefir batter turns an ordinary zucchini into a small fried sensation: a crispy coat, juicy slices inside and a pleasant garlic aroma. The ideal way to quickly use up a zucchini harvest and delight family and guests. Serve hot — they literally disappear from the table immediately.